In the race for a miracle beauty fix, there are plenty of pricey choices: chemical peels, spa getaways, dubious infomercial gadgets. And then there’s blush – the best deal around for getting that “I feel good!” glow and sculpting your features. Here’s how to get it right:

The Right Shade

Pinks look great on fair skin; corals and cinnamons work best on medium skin; and plums and merlots play up dark skin, says Jason Ascher, beauty guru at Barneys New York. If he were stranded at his makeup counter with just one blush, he’d pick Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush No.6, a classic rose. “The texture is very buildable,” he says, so you can get to a more intense color without overkill.

New Textures

Attention, powder diehards: Cream blushes may require a little getting used to but they‘re worth it. “They can take five years off your face because they give you that natural, youthful glow,” says NYC makeup pro Brigitte Reiss Andersen, who did our model’s makeup. The application technique – dab a bit on each cheek and gently blend the edges outward with your middle finger, moving in tiny circles. “For longer lasting blush smooth on a little cream blush and then apply powder blush in the same colour family. Using two different textures will ensure it stays put”, says make up expert Pooja Arora in The Ultimate Guide to Beauty.

Update Your brush

Look for soft dome-shaped bristles that ripple when you blow on them. A brush that’s too stiff or very tapered wont diffuse color well, and an overly fluffy one will make it look like a blush bomb went off (the ideal circumference is two and a half inches). “Natural-hair brushes let you blend color more evenly,” notes LA makeup artist Napoleon Perdis. “I’ve used and washed the same Shu Uemura brush everyday for a year, and it still looks the same and doesn’t shed,” Ascher says. For the rest of us, washing brushes monthly with soap and water will do. As for the mini brush that comes in the package? “It works in emergencies,” says celeb makeup pro Ashunta Sheriff, “but you wont get the same polished looks as you will using a well-made brush.”

Night Hues

When you are wearing bright shadow or lipstick, go easy on the blush to avoid clashing. If the rest of your makeup is shimmery, switch to blush with a similar texture.

Beware Overload

Step away from the mirror after applying blush, finish dressing and then take a peek. It’ll instantly strike you if you’ve worn too much. Fast fixes: Remove excess powder blush with a clean brush. If it’s stubborn, sweep on translucent powder. Blend down cream or gel blushes with a damp makeup sponge or cotton pad. To play it safe, switch to a formula that’s less intense.

Prevent Fade

The oilier skin is, the faster the blush will disappear, says celeb makeup pro Maria Verel. “I have one client who often leans on her hand in conversation, leaving knuckle prints in her cream blush,” Verel says. Prep your skin with a shine-control gel. Or set your foundation with translucent powder and then put on blush. “If your skin really ‘eats’ blush,” says NYC makeup artist Susan Giordano, “try layering. Start with a sheer cream kind, then brush on a powder one in the same colour.”

Recycle

No need to toss the crumbly pink stuff formerly known as your favorite blush. Dump it into an empty face-cream jar or travel jar and crush it up with a spoon – instant loose powder blush! Or mush and mix with Vaseline for a sheer cheek or lip gloss.